Man swimming 300 nautical miles through vortex of trash

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (KTVU) - A French swimmer has embarked on a daring swim through a vortex of trash called the "Great Pacific Garbage Patch."

The goal is to cover 300 nautical miles to represent the 300 million tons of plastic people produce each year. 

Ben Lecomte, of Vortex Swim, says the challenge is part adventure and part research experiment. 

Lecomte set off on his journey on June 13 and is now halfway between Hawaii and San Francisco, right in the middle of the garbage patch.

Lecomte joined Mornings on 2 Sunday via Skype to share what inspired him to make the trek across the Pacific Ocean.